Ancient Roman Coins – A Conspiracy to Assassinate the Emperor Nero

Aureus 64-65, AV 7.27 g. NERO CAESAR – AVGVSTVS

The name Nero holds a particularly sinister connotation due to how history remembers his cruel and self-indulgent tendencies. His reputation was equally negative during his reign, and the discontent came to a climax in 64 CE. This roman coin commemorates Nero’s perceived divine protection against the Pisonian Conspiracy, a revolt which nearly killed him.

Nero is recorded to have at one point been singing about the destruction of Troy, an event which many incorrectly associate as him “fiddling” as Rome burned during the fires of 64 CE. However, with much of central Rome destroyed, Nero, in very poor taste, took this opportunity to construct the Domus Aurea, the “Golden House”, named after the gold-plated tiles on its exterior.

Nero at Baiae c.1900 by Jan Styka [1858-1925]

This demonstration of excess infuriated not only the public but also many of the high-ranking members of his court, who already feared for their positions and lives under a devolving and irrational Nero. A conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and replace him with Gaius Calpurnius Piso, a wealthy senator, was planned and nearly brought to fruition.

However, at the last moment, a freed former slave named Milichus discovered the conspiracy and his wife convinced him to report it to Nero’s secretary. When he learned of the conspiracy, Nero executed a number of prominent Romans and forced the philosopher Seneca the Younger, the poet Lucan and author Petronius to commit suicide, as they were suspected to be associated with the plot.

He believed that because so many people who were so close to him were involved in the conspiracy, he must have only been spared because the gods intervened. Jupiter the Guardian (represented by the inscription “Custos” – one who preserves and saves) was attributed with this intervention. Nero’s fate was only temporarily delayed, as he committed suicide on June 9, 68 CE after facing execution as a public enemy.

This type was used on both aurei and denarii. A second type, with the inscription “Salus” was issued alongside it, referring to the well-being of the emperor.

This aureus was part of the group found during the excavation of Pompeii, buried beneath the ash of Mt. Vesuvius for 1,800 years. It is beautifully toned with deep blue and red hues from its exposure to the sulfuric conditions under the ash from Pompeii.